Heading to Colombia? Here’s how to find the best hot springs in Colombia! Nestled in the heart of the coffee region, just south of Medellin, is one of Colombia’s most beautiful hot springs. Walk around the gardens, take in the surrounding jungle, dip in one of the four pools and cool off under the magnificent Santa Helena waterfall. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking to unwind, this place is a must-visit.
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How to get there
First you’ll need to make sure you’re in the town of Santa Rosa in Colombia, which is located along the way between Jardin and Salento. Okay so, we’ll be the first to admit that the town itself is nothing to write home about but the hot springs are definitely worth the stopover!
Public Bus
Public buses run daily from 6am to 6pm from Parque de Las Araucarias (Calle 13 side), approximately every 2 hours, to the Termales de Santa Rosa. The stops are not signed, so you kind of just have to wait by the side of the road and keep an eye out for one of those red, yellow and green buses to come by with a sign at the front that says ‘Termales’.
Shared Jeep
Alternatively, there are also Jeeps that run along the exact same route, at about the same times and cost a little more (5000 COP, 1.20 USD). Expect a slightly more adventurous experience with locals hanging off the back when the Jeep runs out of seats! The best place to wait for transport, be it buses or Jeeps, is at the Parque de Las Araucarias (Calle 13 side). Transport times can be a little unpredictable so arrive 10 mins early and allow extra time for delays.
Travel tips
booking online
On weekdays there’s to no need reserve online ahead of time or session limits. The cost per person is about 68,000 COP (for an off-peak, weekday entry, as at Jan 2024), which gets you access to the four pools, waterfall, surrounding gardens and change rooms.
On weekends, it is much busier and you may be required to book specific bathing sessions. There are 3 sessions 6:30-10:30am, 11:30am-5:00pm, 6:30-11pm.
What to bring
Flip flops, your own towel (none provided) and some cash to exchange into 1,000 peso coins if you wish to use the coin operated lockers. Note for the coin operated lockers you’ll need a new coin every time you wish to re-lock it after opening. Alternatively, you can also bring your own lock to use some of the limited self lock lockers.
Must see spots
Santa helena waterfall
The Santa Helena Waterfall, duh. Imagine soaking in a natural hot spring, surrounded by lush greenery, and then gazing up at a stunning waterfall. Or hot springs got you feeling a little too hot? Walk over to the waterfall and let yourself cool down under the naturally cool water. It’s the perfect spot for some seriously Instagram-worthy pics.
Where to stay
Okay so, we’ll be the first to admit that the town itself is nothing to write home about but the hot springs are definitely worth the stopover! Anywhere within the town is fine really, though we’d recommend staying near Parque de Las Araucarias. We used trip.com to help us book our stay.
eat and drink
Food is available at the hot springs are limited but expect the usual ice creams, drinks and canteen style fast food options. There are some meal options available, but if it were up to us we’d definitely plan to eat ahead of time or bring some snackies (budget backpacker style).
Best time to visit
Worried it might be too hot? We visited in summer and it was a wonderful experience. Honestly, any time of year is a good time of year to visit the hot springs in Colombia! If you can, try time your visit for a weekday to try beat the crowds and avoid having to book ahead of time online.
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